Vick to Niners, Vikes?

The former Virginia Tech star from Newport News is serving time on federal felony charges related to dogfighting and is scheduled to be released in July. The Falcons have said they will try to trade him, though they could cut him and make him a free agent.

There might be questions about Vick's sharpness and conditioning because he hasn't played since 2006, but he's a proven winner who led the Falcons to an NFC championship game and has been to three Pro Bowls. The dynamic athlete has the NFL single-season record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,039 in 2006, and is third all-time. He also has passed for 11,505 yards in six seasons, with 71 touchdowns and 52 interceptions.

Singletary said the team would likely enter training camp with Shaun Hill as the No. 1 quarterback. Hill passed for 2,046 yards and had an 87.5 rating last season, but that wasn't enough to impress 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan, who said the team clearly needs to upgrade the position.

"I'm not going to get into names," he said. "The important thing now is which ones fit that (system). It has to be a chemistry where he fits in with everybody. It's a position we need to address, whether it's the draft or free agency."

Minnesota coach Brad Childress said the Vikings are looking for someone to challenge Tarvaris Jackson and are willing to make moves to ensure that it happens.

"We need to put somebody in place that will push him and compete with him," Childress said. "I think competition is the nature of the game."

Childress wouldn't confirm or deny interest in Vick.

"I really don't get into hypotheticals because I think there's too much water that's got to happen. I'd cross that bridge when I come to it."

Veteran Gus Frerotte, who started for much of last season, isn't sure if he'll return. The Vikings say they would welcome Frerotte back, though he has made it clear he wants to start.

Jackson began last season as Minnesota's starter, but was benched for Frerotte after the Vikings began 0-2. Frerotte went 8-3 as a starter, but he suffered a hand injury, and the Vikings turned to Jackson again. Jackson led the Vikings to the playoffs and finished the season with a 95.4 rating, the best of his three-year career. He has 20 TD passes and 18 interceptions in his career.

"I think that Tarvaris has to continue to improve, and I believe he will," Childress said.

The New York Jets also will have a new quarterback after Brett Favre's retirement, but they appear to be happier than the 49ers and Vikings with what they have. New coach Rex Ryan said the team feels comfortable with Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge competing for the job.

"Right now, I'd rather have our draft picks," Ryan said. "I'd rather not talk about any potential free agent out there, with the tampering rules and everything else the way they are."